CHICAGO — Late last week, the California Legislature approved Assembly Bill 920, the Permit Streamlining Act authored by Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-52) and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-14). The bill would require local governments in California jurisdictions of at least 150,000 residents to create an online portal where residents can submit permit applications and track their real-time status. The bill now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature.

Permit applications – whether for housing, small business development, or community improvements – are often slowed by long, complex, and opaque review processes. Research shows that only 22% of Americans reported being “extremely satisfied” with their most recent state government interaction, and California ranks just 26th nationwide for customer experience with government services. AB 920 is designed to address this gap by requiring local governments in larger jurisdictions to digitize and streamline their permitting systems. 

“Every good experience someone has with government helps strengthen public trust,” said Sam Oliker-Friedland, executive director of Institute for Responsive Government. “Tools like California’s new online portal not only save time but also help ensure that Americans feel their needs are being met.”

Under AB 920, California cities and counties with populations over 150,000 must:

• Provide an online portal where applicants can submit permit requests electronically;
• Offer real-time status updates showing where the application is in the review process; and
• Ensure residents can access the portal 24/7 to track their applications.

By giving residents clear, accessible information on the status of their permits, AB 920 aims to increase transparency, reduce delays, and improve efficiency for both applicants and government staff.

A growing number of examples from across the country demonstrate the potential impact of digital permitting tools:

• In Virginia, an online system reduced approval times by more than 70%.
• Searsport, Maine condensed its permit process from two weeks to four hours in 2023 using a cloud-based system.
• Meriwether County, Georgia reported that online submissions saved staff time and improved resident satisfaction.

If signed into law, AB 920 would help California communities achieve similar results, positioning the state as a leader in responsive, user-friendly government services. By modernizing permitting, the bill also has the potential to accelerate housing development and other community projects that often depend on timely approvals.

To speak with Sam Oliker-Friedland or other Responsive Gov policy experts about permitting reform or removal of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, please contact dan@responsivegov.org.

The Institute for Responsive Government is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to ensuring state and federal governments work effectively for the very people they serve. The Institute for Responsive Government provides data, research, and expertise to elected officials in order to find practical policy solutions that make government systems more efficient, accessible, and responsive.

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